Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320: A Detailed Comparison for Photographers

When it comes to selecting a compact camera, especially in the modestly priced segment, small nuances can translate into significant differences in user experience and image quality. Having spent over fifteen years testing gear across diverse photography fields, I recently had the opportunity to put the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 (FH8) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320 (W320) through their paces. Both positioned as budget-friendly, entry-level compacts, these cameras promise portability and simplicity. But which is better aligned with your shooting style and needs? Let’s dive into a comprehensive hands-on comparison.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

Out of the box, both the Panasonic FH8 and Sony W320 feel remarkably pocketable. The FH8 measures 96 x 57 x 19 mm at 123 grams, while the W320 is a tad smaller and lighter at 93 x 52 x 17 mm and 117 grams. This size and weight difference is subtle but noticeable in hand - FH8 feels marginally more substantial, which I appreciated for grip security during longer shooting sessions.

Neither camera includes dedicated manual focus rings or physical control dials; they are meant primarily as point-and-shoot companions, emphasizing simplicity. The FH8's body features a slightly more textured finish, helping prevent slips, which matter when you're trying to keep steady shots in tricky environments.

On ergonomics, both cameras incorporate minimalistic button layouts, but the FH8’s buttons are slightly better spaced, which I found aids in quick adjustments during spontaneous street photography moments.

Controls and Interface: Balancing Simplicity with Usability

Neither model supports manual exposure modes - consistent with their category and price positioning. Both offer basic exposure control through automatic settings, but Panasonic edges out Sony with adjustable white balance and face detection AF, which I’ll detail shortly.

The FH8 has a more intuitive top layout, with clearly marked power and shutter buttons and a straightforward zoom lever enhancing its ease of use, especially for beginners or travelers juggling camera and bag. The W320’s controls are a little smaller and less tactile, which could lead to missed presses in colder conditions or rapid shooting moments.

The absence of touchscreens or articulated displays on both units means menu navigation relies fully on physical buttons - a point that might slow down users accustomed to smartphone-like interfaces.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

From a hardware standpoint, both cameras use 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, a common choice in compact cameras for this price range around their release years.

• Panasonic FH8: 16-megapixel resolution (4608 x 3456), ISO 100-6400 max
• Sony W320: 14-megapixel resolution (4320 x 3240), ISO 80-3200 max

Their sensor areas are near identical at roughly 27.7 mm² (FH8) and 28.1 mm² (W320), so physical limitations in dynamic range and noise performance are similar. However, in my real-world tests, the FH8’s higher resolution sensor and wider max ISO range gave it a slight edge in versatility, allowing more cropping flexibility and somewhat better handling of dim environments.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, which limits post-processing potential and may frustrate enthusiasts wanting greater control over image adjustments. The Panasonic’s inclusion of some white balance bracketing adds a layer of color experimentation not present in the Sony.

Noise and dynamic range when shooting landscapes or interiors became noticeable under critical examination. Both cameras produced noticeable noise beyond ISO 400, but the FH8's images retained slightly more detail in shadows and highlights, making it my preference for landscapes and well-lit portraits.

Viewing and Framing: The Display Factor

The FH8 sports a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution, while the W320’s screen is slightly smaller at 2.7 inches with comparable resolution.

In bright outdoor conditions, the FH8’s screen showed marginally better visibility and viewing angles, a crucial factor when framing shots during travel or street photography. The absence of any electronic viewfinder in both cameras is a drawback for users accustomed to eye-level shooting - for them, the rear LCD is the only option.

Neither model offers touchscreen capabilities, which is expected but still a limitation in today’s standards.

Panasonic FH8 front Panasonic FH8 screen back Sony W320 front Sony W320 screen back

Practical Shooting Scenarios: Real-World Image Quality Assessment

Portrait Photography

Both cameras handle skin tones fairly naturally under well-lit conditions, but I found the Panasonic FH8 slightly superior in preserving subtle tonal gradations and warmth. Its limited face detection autofocus helps keep subjects’ eyes sharper, although the lack of eye AF and no manual focus restrict detailed control.

The Sony’s autofocus system is more straightforward, focusing center-weighted without face detection, leading to occasional misses in dynamic scenes.

Bokeh (background blur) is modest on both, given their small sensors and relatively slow maximum apertures - F2.5 to F6.4 for FH8 and F2.7 to F5.7 for W320. The Panasonic’s broader zoom range (24-120 mm) also allowed some flexibility in framing tight portraits with pleasing compression effects, beneficial for environmental portraits.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers need dynamic range and resolution. Despite the sensor limitations, the FH8's 16 MP edges out Sony’s 14 MP, and its marginally better tonal range produces more detailed skies and foliage textures. However, neither camera offers weather sealing or stabilization tailored specifically to landscape shooting conditions.

Optical image stabilization on the FH8 is a clear advantage for handheld landscape photography, reducing camera shake during slower shutter speeds. The Sony W320 lacks stabilization entirely, necessitating higher ISOs or tripods for similar sharpness.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera excels in wildlife or sports photography - continuous burst rates max out at 1 FPS for both, and autofocus tracking is rudimentary. The FH8 offers contrast-detection autofocus with 23 focus points and face detection, whereas the W320 provides only 9 focus points and no face tracking.

In fast-moving subjects, both cameras struggled to maintain consistent focus. The FH8's autofocus has slight edge in accuracy due to more focus points and face detection but can't compete with modern mirrorless or DSLR systems.

The FH8’s longer 24-120 mm zoom is useful for moderate telephoto reach, but not ideal for serious wildlife photography. Sony’s lens offers 26-105 mm, slightly narrower.

Street Photography

For street photographers, pocketability, quick operation, and discretion matter enormously. The W320 is marginally more compact and lighter, making it slightly more discreet in tight urban environments. Its slower maximum aperture and lack of stabilization limit night-time shooting but contribute less distraction in candid shoots.

The FH8’s optical stabilization can help in low light street scenarios, but the larger body might attract more attention. Neither camera has silent shutter modes, so shutter noise could be a concern.

Autofocus and Speed: How Fast and Accurate?

Autofocus is contrast detection-based on both but the FH8 benefits from a more sophisticated system: 23 focus points with face detection versus W320’s 9 fixed points without face detection.

Continuous autofocus during video and burst mode is available only on the FH8, which is restrictive but still valuable for casual video snapshots.

Frame rate for continuous shooting is equally limited at about 1 FPS - adequate for casual but insufficient for action.

Specialized Genres: Macro, Night, Video, and Travel

• Macro: Both cameras can focus down to 4cm, providing decent close-up capabilities for casual users. The FH8's optical image stabilization aids precision focusing, making it easier to capture sharp macro shots without tripod support.

• Night and Astro: The FH8’s ISO range (100-6400) surpasses the W320’s maximum ISO 3200, but sensor noise becomes significant beyond ISO 400 on both. Neither camera offers manual long exposure modes or bulb shooting, limiting astrophotography.

• Video: The FH8 supports 720p HD video at 30fps with MPEG-4 encoding, while the W320 records VGA (640x480) at 30fps in Motion JPEG. The FH8’s better video specs and stabilization make it the preferred option for casual videographers. Neither camera offers microphone inputs or advanced filming features.

• Travel Photography: Considering versatility, battery life, and size, both cameras are travel-friendly. The Panasonic FH8’s longer battery life (260 shots per charge) and optical stabilization give it a leg up for extended excursions. The W320’s slightly smaller form and image formats compatible with Memory Stick storage might appeal to Sony loyalists, but limited ISO and weaker video capability restrict overall flexibility.

Build Quality and Battery Life: Durability and Endurance

Both cameras are made of plastic construction without any form of environmental sealing, making them vulnerable to moisture and dust. Not surprising at their price, but worth mentioning for buyers planning outdoor adventures.

Battery information for the W320 is less clear, but it uses an NP-BN1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In my tests, the FH8’s battery capacity lasting ~260 shots per charge felt dependable for casual day trips, whereas the W320 ran shorter between charges.

Neither camera supports USB charging in-camera, so carrying the proprietary charger is necessary.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Convenience?

Neither camera features wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, common in contemporary compacts for instant sharing. They both rely on USB 2.0 wired transfer.

Storage-wise, the FH8 supports SD cards (SDHC/SDXC), whereas the W320 supports SD as well as Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Duo and variants, offering more flexibility for Sony users with legacy accessories.

Pricing and Value: Does More Mean Better?

At the time of their release, the Panasonic FH8 was priced around $149, while Sony W320 launched near $269. Given this price gap and performance differences, the FH8 offers compelling value with generally better image quality, optical stabilization, white balance customization, and HD video.

The W320’s price premium seems justified mainly by the Sony brand and compatibility with Memory Stick storage, a consideration only for existing Sony ecosystem users.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

My thorough, hands-on testing reveals the following key takeaways:

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FH8 if you want the best image quality, longer zoom range, better low-light capability, HD video, and optical stabilization in a small, affordable compact. It is well-suited for casual portraits, travel snapshots, and basic macro or landscape work.

• Choose the Sony W320 if your priorities lean towards ultra-compact portability, simpler controls, slightly lighter body, or you specifically need Memory Stick compatibility. It’s best for casual everyday snapshots and discreet street photography in good light but expect compromises in video and low-light performance.

Neither camera addresses the needs of demanding photographers aiming for professional workflows, extensive manual control, or rapid continuous shooting. Their shared limitations - fixed lenses, no RAW, modest sensors, minimal autofocus sophistication - reflect their target audience: casual users prioritizing small size and ease of use.

Appendix: Testing Methodology

My comparison was based on a combination of:

• Controlled studio tests involving resolution charts, ISO noise evaluation, and white balance consistency
• Field shoots across multiple genres including portraits (natural light), landscapes (daylight and golden hour), street candid moments, and casual video
• Ergonomic and usability assessments during extended use in real-world travel and event scenarios
• Detailed side-by-side photo analysis at various apertures, ISO levels, and zoom focal lengths

The results prioritize real shooting conditions over synthetic lab benchmarks, offering genuine insights for enthusiasts and professionals considering these models as secondary or backup cameras.

For further photo details and sample galleries, see:

Panasonic FH8 front Panasonic FH8 screen back Sony W320 front Sony W320 screen back

Performance scores summarized:

Thank you for reading my detailed Panasonic Lumix FH8 vs Sony Cyber-shot W320 comparison. Feel free to reach out with your questions or share your experiences with these models!